Cabinet Refinishing vs. Refacing: Why Refacing is the Smart Choice for Your Kitchen

Thinking about giving your kitchen a fresh new look but don’t want to commit to a full renovation? You’re not alone! Many homeowners find themselves debating between cabinet refinishing and cabinet refacing—both popular options for updating kitchen cabinets without tearing everything out.

At first glance, refinishing might seem like an easy, budget-friendly fix. But before you grab that paintbrush, let’s talk about why refacing is often the smarter, longer-lasting choice.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERNECE BETWEEN REFINISHING AND REFACING?

Before we dive in, let’s quickly break down what each process involves:

• Cabinet Refinishing: This means sanding down your existing cabinet doors and applying new paint or stain. It keeps the same doors but gives them a fresh surface.
  
  
• Cabinet Refacing: This involves replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts with brand-new ones, while keeping the existing cabinet boxes. You also get new hinges and the option to upgrade your hardware.
  
  

Both options can improve your kitchen’s look, but one lasts much longer than the other.

THE DOWNSIDE OF CABINET REFINISHING 

Refinishing sounds great in theory—you keep your old doors, save some money, and get a fresh new color. But here’s the catch: refinishing is a short-term fix.

Why Refinishing Has a Shorter Lifespan

Kitchen cabinets go through a lot. Heat, moisture, grease, and daily wear take a toll, especially on older doors. Even with a professional refinishing job, the wood or MDF underneath has already been exposed to years of use.

Key Downsides of Refinishing:

• Wear and Tear Shows Quickly– Even with a fresh coat of paint, old doors can warp, crack, or chip over time.
  
  
• Not All Cabinets Are Good Candidates– If your cabinets have been exposed to a lot of moisture or grease (which most have!), refinishing may not hold up well.
  
  
• Limited Style Options– Since refinishing only updates the color, you’re stuck with the same door style. If you’re dreaming of a sleek modern kitchen or a fresh shaker look, refinishing won’t give you that transformation.
  
  
• Frequent Maintenance– Over time, painted cabinets can chip and require touch-ups, especially around high-use areas like handles and edges.
  
  
  

Refinishing can be a good choice if your cabinets are in excellent shape, but for most kitchens, it’s a temporary solution rather than a long-term investment.

WHY CABINET REFACING IS THE BETTER CHOICE

Now let’s talk about refacing—a solution that doesn’t just refresh your kitchen but gives it an entirely new look with brand-new doors.

The Benefits of Refacing:

• A Longer-Lasting Upgrade – Unlike refinishing, refacing replaces your old, worn doors with brand-new ones. That means no warping, peeling, or cracking—just a fresh, durable finish built to last.
  
  
• A Complete Style Refresh – Want modern flat panels? Classic shaker? A stylish woodgrain finish? With refacing, you can totally transform your kitchen’s look.
  
  
• Minimal Disruption – A full kitchen reno can take weeks, but refacing is typically done in just a few days. You get a brand-new look without the mess and downtime.
  
  
• Higher Home Value – Since refacing provides a more durable and modern upgrade, it increases your home’s resale value more than refinishing does.
  
  
• Custom Features & Upgrades – Soft-close hinges, sleek new hardware, or even a fresh matching toe-kick—these small details make a big impact.

IS REFACING MORE EXPENSIVE?

Let’s be real— refacing does cost more upfront than refinishing. But when you compare the lifespan, durability, and overall value, refacing is a much better investment.

Cost Breakdown:

If you’re planning to stay in your home for years to come, refacing makes way more sense financially than refinishing.

THE BOTTOM LINE: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you’re just looking for a quick refresh and your cabinets are in excellent condition, refinishing might be a good short-term fix.

But if you want a stylish, durable, and long-lasting upgrade, refacing is the best choice. It gives you brand new doors, a modern look, and a kitchen that feels truly refreshed —without the hassle of a full renovation.

Thinking about refacing your cabinets? Let’s chat! We’ll help you find the perfect door style, color, and hardware to create a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.

Contact us today to get started!